Matt Mitrione meeting Roy Nelson at TUF 16 Finale

Another instance of a fight between opposing Ultimate Fighter coaches was laid to waste by injury earlier this week when heavyweight Shane Carwin withdrew from a December 8 rumble with Roy Nelson after a knee injury put him out of commission. Fortunately, the UFC hasn’t wasted any time finding a replacement, booking Matt Mitrione for a match-up with “Big Country” at the Ultimate Fighter 16 Finale. Mitrione and Nelson are no doubt very familiar with one another based on the time the two spent together as part of Rashad Evans’ team on TUF 10.

Officials confirmed the clash earlier today.

Mitrione hasn’t fought in more than a year due to injury, facing Cheick Kongo in October 2011 where he suffered the first loss of his career. He holds an overall record of 5-1 with four TKOs including those in wins over Tim Hague and Christian Morecraft.

The 17-7 Nelson also has a knack for finishing foes, scoring 15 stoppages during his run in MMA. The bearded brawler was last seen dropping Dave Herman in less than a minute this past May. He has also notched in-ring success against the likes of Mirko Filipovic, Brendan Schaub, and Stefan Struve.